Butter Ball Christmas Cookies

The air is crisp here in Michigan today, and Jack Frost made an appearance. Winter is brewing, however, it’s getting up to 50 this week. I am in the mood for snow, so maybe that’s why I wanted to post my grandfather’s recipe today. These Butter Ball Cookies have always reminded me of snow balls…

I grew up watching my Mom & Dad make these for Christmas. I remember being allowed to roll them in the sugar after they had cooled to a warm temperature. The recipe comes from my grandfather, Cyril, whom I never got to meet because he passed away before I was born.

Cy wasn’t only handsome, he was a great cook and he loved to decorate his home.

These are absolutely wonderful! My grandchildren call them “Moose Knuckles’! I have no idea how they ever came up with a name like that, but they are wanting ” Barber” (that’s what they call me ¿?¿?) to bmake them some “moose knuckles” for Santa Claus.

It’s your Mom, I will never forget how I waited for my Dad’s Butterball Cookie recipe, I was a new bride up in Plattsburg, N.Y. with my new husband who was in the Air Force at the time. He was stationed with The Strategic Air Command, it was during the Cold War era and the first time to be away from home. My good, faithful Dad came through with the recipe, then, almost 61 years ago; it had to be mailed. Good, faithful Dad came through, as always, thanks Dad, I love you. Joanne (then called Susie)

My mother also made these wonderful cookies only at Christmas time. First time I have seen them referred to as “Butter Balls” which is what she called them. I have been making them now for at least 60 years and still they are one of my favorites. My recipe calls for 1/2 tsp. almond extract along with the vanilla in your recipe.

Hi Julie, I’m from Buffalo and had to chuckle about the Bills ornament!
I make the Butter ball cookies every Christmas only my Mom called them Russian tea cakes . no matter what they are called they are fantastic! Merry Christmas.

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